Uses of Phantom Sensations Induced by Global and Local Modifications of the Prosthetic Socket as Somatosensory Feedback During Walking in Lower Limb Amputees

Following lower-limb amputation, the loss of somatosensory information from the missing limb renders walking less automatic, more cognitively demanding, and often asymmetric, which can lead to secondary pathologies.

Hypothesis: This study is based on the hypothesis that phantom limb sensations (PLS), when coherent with the prosthetic device's movements and the phases of the gait cycle, can compensate for the loss of somatosensory feedback and thereby improve locomotion for individuals with amputation. It is further hypothesized that it is possible to artificially induce these coherent and useful sensations, notably through "referred sensations" elicited by stimulation of the residual limb (e.g., via the prosthetic socket).

Objectives: The project aims to:

* Determine whether the natural presence of phantom limb sensations during walking impacts gait parameters. * Confirm in a larger patient population that modifications to the prosthetic socket can induce or enhance phantom sensations that are perceived as useful for walking. * Investigate whether these perceptual changes (induced or enhanced) are associated with objective, measurable improvements in gait quality.